BEYOND THE PLATE

Restaurants have always been a place to satisfy our hunger, but the recent pandemic emphasized that we crave more than just food we desire multisensory experiences that engage all our senses. From the aroma of the food cooking to the ambiance of the restaurant, the décor and the laughter shared with friends and family, every aspect contributes to the overall dining experience.

The restaurant industry can be volatile, ever-changing and evolving. However, some restaurants have found the “secret sauce” to captivate our emotions and taste buds. As we welcome a reimagined Casa Bonita, we celebrate the restaurants that have made their mark in Lakewood and become a staple in our lives and iconic in our history.

The “Sensing Lakewood Restaurants” exhibit at Heritage Lakewood presents a journey through time and explores Lakewood restaurants and how they became an integral part of our lives. Beginning in the 1920s and moving to the present, the exhibit explores early beverage stands that were established for tourists and delves into the midcentury fast-food culture that swept the nation. Through this exhibit, we discover how restaurants have not only fed our stomachs but also our souls and created memories that will last a lifetime.